C2 Core Support

[Donald T.]

I seem to be having trouble acquiring a good core support for my 65 L79 (no A/C). The current core support in the car is a replacement with the FI hole. I want to install a core support that is correct for my application. I haven't been able to locate a good used original, so I contacted Paragon for a repro. They were very reluctant to sell me one because apparently they are having a lot of problems with fit. They wanted me to pay a 30% restock fee and all shipping even if it didn't fit properly! And they wouldn't send it until I signed some form that they were not responsible if it didn't fit. I just told them to cancel the order. Any suggestions on obtaining a correct core support?

Thanks!

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: C2 Core Support

Hi Don -

I see originals on eBay every so often. They usually have some level of rust damage ranging from all-over surface rust to holes rusted through across the bottom channel. Since your current one is undamaged and fits alright, maybe see if the hole can be patched. Know a good welder?

Pete

[William C.]

Re: C2 Core Support

There is also a nice repair piece for the lower brace available from Corvette Central. I repaired one and was very pleased with the way it came out using only my mediocre bodyman skills a mig welder and home shop tools. Buying the used one and repairing might be an option. I don't know who is making the one for Paragon, but I thought Coffman's was the original vendor who had the tooling built. You might try other vendors to see if you can at least get a better return/refund policy.

[mike mccagh]

Re: C2 Core Support

patch the fi hole as gordon suggested assumiong your replacement is solid and rust free. shouldn't take a hour and a mig and some bondo.mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Core Support

Bill and Don-----

I believe that Coffman Corvette is the manufacturer of all of the reproduction core supports on the market today. Their supports look wonderful and very original. However, I have heard before of fitment problems with them. Don might want to deal directly with Coffman (they sell direct) and get some sort of guarantee of fitment. If THEY won't guarantee fitment and back it up, then I'd say that there's a real problem with these things.

One note of caution here, though: the fitment of the radiator core support can be affected by things like a previously damaged and "repaired" front end. However, if an original GM support (that you're SURE has not been modified or damaged as a result of an accident or repair thereof) fits properly, then the reproduction should fit properly, too, assuming that it's made properly.

[Donald T.]

Thanks Joe and everyone! *NM*